Federal Govt defends new ASIO headquarters

The National Capital Authority says the term 'barbed wire city' is not a fair representation.

Artist's impression: ASIO

National planners have dismissed claims a massive new headquarters for ASIO will become a barbed wire city in the heart of Canberra.

The $600 million building on Constitution Avenue near the suburb of Campbell will eventually house 1800 employees.

Local residents and the Burley Griffin Society have complained the building is too big for the site, and will resemble a barbed wire city in the heart of Canberra.

ACT Senator Gary Humphries has backed the residents' concerns and says he is not sure it is the right building for an area which planners hope will become a grand boulevard.

"I think with this setback that we're looking at with this ASIO headquarters, I just can't see that this is going to be compatible with the concept of that was designed by Burley Griffin and which has recently been reinforced with the Griffith Legacy concept which has been affirmed by the National Capital Authority," he said

Federal Territories Minister Brendan O'Connor says he believes every effort has been made to ensure the new headquarters will be built within the appropriate planning guidelines.

Mr O'Connor says he does not believe the plans are outside the rules.

"As Minister for Territories I want to make sure all buildings are done in accordance with the plans as set down and every effort has been made to ensure that is the case," he said.

"I don't think barbed wire city is a fair representation of it either," he said.

"The ASIO website has from the very front page a link to an artists' impression the view of the building from Constitution Avenue, yes the building is set back but it appears very park-like in the setback there are due the nature of the building some security measures there but they mostly take the form of bollards that would prevent vehicles from getting close to the building.